This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on the hospitality sector, global hotel chains Radisson and Accor are moving forward with their expansion plans in Kenya and the wider region.
According to Accor, all projects signed and currently in development will continue as planned. The company has a significant pipeline of properties in Africa, with 44 projects (8,354 rooms) scheduled for completion within the next 36 months.
Radisson Hotel Group, which has recently hired new talent to head development in sub-Saharan Africa, plans to grow its presence by more than 50 new hotels in the next five years in the region.
Accor, which operates five brands in Kenya, has also announced plans to open its Pullman branded hotel in Westlands and MGallery Collection in Gigiri in Nairobi. The company has resumed operations at its budget facility Ibis Style and high-end Movenpick hotels.
Kenya has a total of 23 internationally branded hotels in its pipeline, with Ethiopia and Kenya having the highest number of properties in the pipeline, at 6,356 and 3,588 respectively.
As the hospitality sector continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, Radisson and Accor's commitment to expansion in Kenya and the region is a positive sign for the industry.
